Quill generated this note with AI from the summary that was provided. The therapist can then copy-and-paste the note into their current EHR platform.
Behavior:
Client presented to the session appearing unsure of themselves and reported feeling confused about what is real and what is not. They stated, "I don't even trust my own memory anymore." Client described how their partner frequently tells them they are too sensitive or that events did not occur as they remember, leading them to second-guess their own reality. Client reported feeling self-doubt and confusion, which they attributed to their partner's behavior.
Intervention:
The session lasted 50 minutes and took place in-office. The therapist provided psychoeducation on gaslighting, explaining it as a form of emotional abuse that causes confusion and self-doubt. The therapist validated the client's perceptions and feelings, affirming that their experiences are real and trustworthy. Interventions included discussing strategies to rebuild trust in their own perceptions, such as keeping a journal to document conversations and events. The therapist also explored boundary-setting and safety planning, and provided resources for domestic violence support.
Response:
Client appeared relieved but also sad during the discussion of gaslighting, expressing that they had hoped they were simply being too sensitive. They seemed to feel validated and began to appear more grounded as the session progressed. Client acknowledged having a close friend who has noticed similar dynamics in their relationship, which they identified as a source of support. By the end of the session, client seemed scared but also more confident in trusting their own perceptions.
Plan:
Client will begin journaling conversations and events this week to help rebuild trust in their own perceptions. They will also reach out to their close friend for support. Resources for domestic violence support were provided for client to have on hand. The next session is scheduled for next week, where progress on these steps will be reviewed and further support will be provided as needed.
Today's session was 50 minutes, in-office. Jordan came in looking really unsure of themselves and said they've been feeling confused a lot lately about what's real and what's not. They said quote 'I don't even trust my own memory anymore' unquote. They described how their partner keeps telling them they're too sensitive or that things didn't happen the way they remember. They'll bring up something their partner said or did, and their partner will say they're imagining it or overreacting, and after a while Jordan started to believe it. They said it's gotten to the point where they second-guess everything.
We talked about gaslighting and how it's a form of emotional abuse where someone manipulates you into doubting your own reality. I explained that what they're experiencing, the confusion, the self-doubt, the feeling like they can't trust themselves, those are really common effects of gaslighting. Jordan seemed relieved and also really sad, like they'd been holding onto hope that maybe they were just being too sensitive. I validated that their perceptions and feelings are real and trustworthy, and that the confusion is coming from someone else's manipulation, not from a flaw in them.
We worked on rebuilding trust in their own perceptions. I suggested they start keeping a journal of conversations and events, just the facts, so they have something to refer back to when their partner tries to rewrite what happened.
Let me think, what else did we cover. Oh yeah, we talked about boundaries, what they need in order to feel safe, and what they'll do if those boundaries get crossed. We discussed whether they have support outside the relationship, people who can reality-check with them and remind them they're not crazy. Jordan said they have a close friend who's been noticing the same things, which is good. We also talked about safety planning, in case things escalate. I gave them some resources for domestic violence support, just to have on hand. Their homework is to start that journal this week and to reach out to their friend for support. They seemed scared but also a little more grounded, like they're starting to trust themselves again. We'll meet again next week to check in.
Looking for a different note format? Quill can generate AI therapy progress notes for those too!
From even more examples, to an overview of the format in general, to templates, to a cheat sheet, here's everything you need to know about BIRP notes.
Quill can write your BIRP notes!
Quill Therapy Solutions makes it easy to create polished, professional notes from your session summaries. With support for various standard formats, Quill helps streamline documentation for just $20 a month, with no limits.
Try generating BIRP notes with Quill.
Try it for free. No credit card required.
